Beyond the Horizon: Landmark Achievements at India's Major Ports

India’s major ports recorded a landmark year in FY 2024–25, demonstrating robust growth across cargo handling, operational efficiency, and infrastructure development.

Total cargo throughput rose by 4.3% year-on-year, increasing from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023–24 to approximately 855 million tonnes. This steady growth highlights the ports’ enhanced capacity and resilience in supporting expanding trade volumes. The increase was driven by strong performances in key cargo categories: container throughput rose by 10%, fertilizer cargo by 13%, petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) by 3%, and miscellaneous commodities saw a substantial 31% surge.

POL cargo remained the largest contributor, accounting for 254.5 million tonnes (29.8% share), followed by container traffic at 193.5 million tonnes (22.6%) and coal at 186.6 million tonnes (21.8%).

FY 2024–25 marked a historic achievement for Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), both surpassing the 150-million-tonne milestone for the first time. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) also set a new benchmark, handling 7.3 million TEUs—an impressive 13.5% year-on-year increase.

In support of India’s port-led industrialisation strategy, 962 acres were allocated for port-linked development during the year, with projected lessee investments totaling ₹68,780 crore. Private sector participation in major ports also witnessed a sharp rise, as investment under the public-private partnership (PPP) model more than tripled—from ₹1,329 crore in FY 2022–23 to ₹3,986 crore in FY 2024–25.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.